VeggieTales are a computer animated series of half-hour videos that combine fun visuals, catchy tunes, and moral biblical values. Enjoyed by young and old alike; christians, nots, and others, everyone can find something appealing. In this, the latest [15th], episode of the VeggieTales we once again find the semi-standard half hour structure we've come to know, love, and miss. Unfortunately, the last few episodes lacked all the little bits of format that make VeggieTales the fun that we expect.

The catchy and familiar theme song starts the show off with clips from recent and older shows alike. Our good friends Bob and Larry host from their kitchen counter in both the beginning and the end, introducing the theme and wrapping things up with a verse. However, Archibald interrupts things trying to put his own touch on the show.

Archibald's goal is to "class" things up. His first attempt is a botched rendition of Hamlet, starring Jimmy the Gourd. Somehow miscommunication reigns and the presentation ends up as Omelet... You can just imagine the hilarity of the situation.

Later Archi steps in with another "classy" alternative to Silly Songs with Larry, creating Classy Songs with Larry. In "The Silk Hat" Larry, Archi, and many others tell a tale of a man in a hat... with some chocolate... waiting for the trolley, all to a very classy tune. As his circumstances become dire, the lyrics get funnier. Obviously Larry pulls off silliness better than class, no matter how hard Archibald might try.

Finally we are introduced, in classy Masterpiece Theatre style, to the first ever VeggieTales musical (the actual title bit.) Starring Jr Asparagus as a cute little viking who makes up for his fellow vikings' mishaps by befriending those they rampage. With great songs, an ever confused cucumber, and a classy lesson, the musical pulls the purpose of the show together.

Although most of the characters are more than familiar to young Veggie fans, much of the content (Omelet in particular,) dialog, and underlying humor is way above the younger audience. They will still certainly enjoy the visuals, music, and simple lesson included.

DVD Extras:
Included on the DVD are a few interesting blips. First and foremost you can watch the Silly (er, I mean Classy) Song with Larry: The Silk Hat in a full glory wide-screen version. There is a fun, candid, and insightful interview with Phil Vischer and Tim Hodge (the founder of BigIdea and the director of Lyle The Kindly Viking, respectively). Also available is a split screen showing of some of the story board, featuring the final and the sketchy versions of a couple scenes (this is great for showing kids some of how the whole thing comes together.)

Finally, the entire half hour show is divided into chapters like any good DVD should be. Unfortunately some of the separation of the chapters is choppy. You can skip over the initial trailer for Jonah (a feature length film BigIdea is working on, whose trailer is also available separately in the extras area...) However you cannot simply skip over the opening theme song, if you do you'll get to the middle of the first "counter top" scene with Bob and Larry introducing the show. Somehow, the first 15 minutes of the show are in only 4 or 5 chapters (at least the silly song is in one by itself, yet also available as an extra in wide-screen.) Still, the rest of the show (the Lyle The Kindly Viking part) makes up the other 6 or 7, much better separated might I add.

All in all, the DVD would be my first choice... with zoom capabilities (my player allowed me to zoom up to 3x,) for anyone wondering exactly what Pa Grape is wearing under his monk cloak, a few extras to spice things up, chapter selections to skip exactly where you want to, and the ever wonderful more likely prosperity of the entire video (compared to a VHS handled frequently by children.)



Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good for Groups
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children up to Age 4